Mary Ann Elizabeth Kane
Mary Ann E. Kane, 89, of Cortland, known to family and childhood friends as “Sweetie”, passed away April 3, 2022, due to declining health.
Mary Ann was born in Cortland, NY to John J. Kane and Ann Kiernan Kane. Miss Kane was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Cortland, and went on to graduate with a BS degree from Cornell University, and a MS degree in education from SUNY Cortland. She was a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Cortland.
Miss Kane educated the minds, hearts, and spirits of students at St. Margaret’s School in Mattydale and St. Mary’s School in Cortland, NY where she retired as the assistant principal and Junior High social studies teacher. She then served as the third full-time Executive Director of the Cortland County Historical Society.
She also served as municipal historian of Cortland County, the City of Cortland, as well as historian for St. Mary’s parish, and a member of the executive committee for the society of Parish Historians, Diocese of Syracuse. She authored and published several books on Cortland County history. Her love for the history of Cortland and the community inspired her to provide leadership and service for a host of community organizations.
It has been said that she was a force of nature – her petite frame never holding her back. If she believed that an issue needed to be addressed, a wrong needed to be righted, a project needed to be completed – watch out. Her dedication and persistence was legendary. She is remembered as a little lady with a big heart. She touched the lives of so many through her teaching, friendships, charity, and civic work.
Miss Kane was predeceased by her parents, her brother John J. Kane Jr. in 1934, many cousins, aunts, and uncles. She is survived by her cousins Patrick Kiernan of Homer, NY, Thomas Rutan of Horseheads, NY, and many cousins and friends, and extended family throughout the country. She was cared for in recent years by her cousin Pia Kiernan Tucker and John Tucker.
In keeping with Mary Ann’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Zareski serving as celebrant.
The family request that masks be worn and COVID protocols be observed. Prayers of committal will follow at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann requests charitable contributions be directed to some of her favorite charities: The Brockway Truck Preservation Association, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Parochial School, The Cortland County Historical Society, or The Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation.
